Communist Party of India (Marxist) [CPI (M)] central committee member and former Law Minister A.K. Balan appeared to trigger a bitter social debate by stating that the government should, ideally, leave appointments in State-funded educational institutions to the Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC).
Speaking to a television news channel, Mr. Balan had said the move would ensure social justice. He also accused institutions controlled by caste and religious organisations of extorting bribes from job aspirants.
Mr. Balan said money and not merit or economic or social backwardness were the criteria for appointment in aided institutions. The public was in the dark about where the bribe went.
